Constitution of MAHRS

CONSTITUTION OF MACQUARIE ASIAN HISTORICAL RESEARCH SOCIETY

Article 1 – Name
The organization shall be known as “Macquarie Asian Historical Research Society” and/or by its acronym “MAHRS” (hereinafter referred to as the Society), a Student Group formed in affiliation with the Macquarie University (hereinafter referred to as the University).

Article 2 – Purpose
The purpose of the Society shall be to facilitate and to promote the study of, and the research into, Asian histories, cultures and languages through the establishment of forums, networks and communication platforms with academic and ethnic communities with a view to enhancing the recognition of studenthood in the concerned areas of study in the University.

Article 3 – Affiliation
The Society shall be an affiliated Student Group of the University and shall comply with the University’s policies, guidelines and legislations which are in force from time to time with regard to affiliated Student Groups.

Article 4 – Governance
The Society shall be governed by its constitution and byelaws which may from time to time be passed or amended in a General Meeting of the Members except when these are suspended by the University.

Article 5 – Membership

Membership of the Society shall be open to all students of the University (hereinafter referred to as “Members”),

The Society may accept the staff of the University and the general public as Associate Members,

Only currently enrolled students at the University as Members are eligible to hold voting privileges and offices of the Executive Committee,

The Executive Committee may set conditions of membership as it sees fit,

The number of Associate Members shall not exceed 25% of the total Membership.

Article 6 – Executive

The Executive Committee shall at least consist of the following:

a. President
b. Vice President
c. Secretary
d. Treasurer

The Executive Committee shall hold office for a term of one year.

Article 7 – Responsibilities of the Executive

The President shall:

a. chair all meetings
b. oversee the other members of the executive in fulfilling their responsibilities
c. be an Authorized Representative of the Society to enter into the Student Group Affiliation Agreement with the University.

The Vice President shall:

a. assist the President in conducting the affairs of the Society
b. deputize the President in her/his absence
c. be an Authorized Representative of the Society to enter into the Student Group Affiliation Agreement with the University

The Secretary shall:

a. be responsible for recording all minutes of the Society’s meetings; and,
b. maintain a register of the members of the Society.
c. be an Authorized Representative of the Society to enter into the Student Group Affiliation Agreement with the University.

The Treasurer shall:

a. be responsible for overseeing all financial dealings of the Society;
b. keep complete records of all financial dealings of the Society; and,
c. be an Authorized Representative of the Society to enter into the Student Group Affiliation Agreement with the University.

Article 8 – Other office-bearers
The Executive Committee may appoint any Member who is a currently enrolled student to fill an executive office, or any Associate Member to fill a non-executive office for the operation of the Society.

Article 9 – Finances

The Society may levy membership subscription, raise funds and receive sponsorship for the proper running of the activities of the Society.

Any payments to be demanded from Members and Associate Members shall be approved by a two-thirds majority of the total votes of the members present and the proxy votes in an Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting.

Article 10 – Meetings

At least two general meetings shall be held during the calendar year, including the Annual General Meeting; and,

Members will be informed of each of these meetings at least seven (7) days in advance.

Article 11 – Elections

All election procedures will abide by the University’s Student Group Policy.

At the end of her/his term of office an Executive Committee member may offer her/himself for election.

Members may vote by proxy.

Executive Committee membership must win a two-thirds majority of the total votes of the members present and the proxy votes.

Article 12 – Amendments

Amendments to the constitution must win a two-thirds majority of the total votes of the Members present and the proxy votes; and

An amendment to the constitution must be approved by the University’s Student Group management.

Article 13 – Impeachment

Any member of the Society who commits an act negatively affecting the interests of the Society and its members may be given notice of impeachment;

The impeached individual shall have the right to defend his/her actions; and,

A two-thirds majority vote of members present will result in the removal of the impeached individual from the society and the loss of any privileges associated with the society.